May 03, 2017
By John Geiger
Optics companies are sighting in on modern hunters with the recent release of several new riflescopes at the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits in Atlanta.
By John Geiger, G&F gear editor
Most scopes combine traditional hunting features with the newer turret-style, long-distance precision scopes that came from the military or tactical side of the shooting industry. If these companies are on target, hunters now want the option to use a drop-compensating reticle or to turret to dial bring their crosshairs to the target. If these products are any indication, this season could be the first when the turret-crowd outnumber the traditional-reticle hunters in the field.
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The new Engage riflescope is a good bridge for hunters who want those dial-in tactical options along with features they are already familiar with. You can get the scope with a turret, and the same scope also has a drop-compensating reticle if you chose to hold over the target instead. This is the way scopes are going. The new reticle, by the way, has windage as well, so you always have the option for a precision shot. Nine configurations, from 2-7x36mm up to 6-24x50mm. Some are 1-inch other 30mm tubes.
MSRP, $149-$449
Visit bushnell.com for more information
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Also from NRA Atlanta
Hog or coyote shooters who need to get on their targets quickly might be interested in Nikon's new Black scope series, especially the ones with the SpeedForce reticle. When the FORCE1000 1-4x24 riflescope is dialed down to its true 1x magnification, the reticle's illuminated double horseshoe — SpeedForce reticle — helps you get on target fast with both eyes open. The reticle, which is excellent for moving targets, also integrates Nikon's popular Bullet Drop Compensation circles and hash marks for precise intermediate-range target holdovers. 30mm tubes. Capped turrets. Five models.
MSRP, $399-$649
Visit nikonsportoptics.com for more information
The Whiskey5 has been around for a few years now, but at the NRA meetings, Sig unveiled a new digital leveler to the scope. They call it the LevelPlex, and it indicates if your scope is not level as you are about to take the shot. Of course, at long distances, a canted scope will not give you a true POI with a drop-compensating reticle. INsie the scope you'll see two small arrows in either side. When canted, one or the other will light up to indicate you need to rotate your gun. Elevation turret offers a resettable zero stop and lock-at-zero. Six configurations from 1-5x20mm to 5-25x52mm.
MSRP, $1,079-$2,159
Visit www.sigoptics.com for more information
ZEISS / CONQUEST V6Carl Zeiss Optics introduced a 6x riflescope series in the Conquest line called the V6. The lowest magnification of the line is 1-6x24mm and the largest is a substantial 5-30x50. The 1-6 has an extremely large 200-foot field of view at 100 yards. On the opposite end of the spectrum, at 14.9 inches, the 5-30 is still relatively compact for its magnification range. Each has a 30mm tube and a variety of reticles.
MSRP, $1,549-$1,899
Visit www.zeiss.com for more information
Leupold introduced a line that fits between two other popular models. The new VX-5HD features a 5x erector assembly, fitting between the VX-3i and the VX-6HD. New adjustments, called CDS-ZL2 have secure locking dial that can be calibrated to your exact rifle and load with Leupold's custom dial system. The CDS-ZL2 lets you dial two complete revolutions of the dial, yet makes it clear to the shooter where he is on the turret with two distinct levels of dial numbers. Initial launch of the line offers a 1-5x, 2-10x and 3-15x models.
MSRP, $909-$1,429
Visit www.leupold.com for more information
